Daily Digest - September 5, 2023

“Of the more than 10 years I have been at Nyadire, this year we have worked extremely hard, and it was worth it. The harvest is very good.”Gadzai Kafeso, farm hand at The United Methodist Church’s Nyadire Mission.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Yambasu grant helps mission farms flourish

HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Four United Methodist mission farms got a major boost from the Board of Global Ministries’ Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, with some seeing a bumper harvest for the first time in a decade. The money provided seeds and fertilizer, along with equipment and technical support. Kudzai Chingwe reports.
Read story

Upper New York Conference
Bike ministry on a roll

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church’s bike ministry began 16 years ago as a summer outreach to help youth learn to repair their bikes. But those events showed church leaders how many children didn’t have bikes and how many adults would benefit from them as well. Since 2008, the church has hosted bike giveaway days, where donated and refurbished bikes are given out. The Rev. Carolyn Stow has the story.
Read story

Kentucky Conference
Northern Kentucky church chartered

ERLANGER, Ky. — About 100 people worshipped and celebrated Aug. 20 as Antioch United Methodist Church, a new faith community that sprang up organically during the Easter season, held its charter service. The church is formally recognized as a United Methodist congregation. Conference staff report.
Read story 

NBC10 Boston
Church assists incoming migrants

WOBURN, Mass. — Thousands of migrant families continue to arrive in different cities and towns in Massachusetts, and community leaders are preparing resources to receive them. Woburn United Methodist Church is among the organizations seeking to assist the many migrant families now calling Massachusetts their home. Carla Rojo reports.
Read story and watch video


PRESS RELEASES

Council of Bishops
United Methodists urged to focus on love

LUBUMBASHI, Congo — Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton on Sept. 3 called on United Methodists to focus on love because the church’s greatest success depends upon mutual love and meaningful relationships throughout the world. Bickerton was preaching at a Sunday worship service during a meeting of The United Methodist Church’s African bishops. 
Read press release
Read sermon (PDF)


COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. 

Why are men discouraged from being vulnerable?
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — In the latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series, the Rev. Tori Butler interviews the Rev. Romal Tune, author of “I Wish My Dad: The Power of Vulnerable Conversations Between Fathers and Sons.” Also in the conversation are two United Methodist pastors who contributed their stories for the book. 
Watch video


RESOURCES

Mountain T.O.P.
Ministry plans summit on rural housing

COALMONT, Tenn. — United Methodist partner Mountain T.O.P., which stands for Tennessee Outreach Project, plans to hold a summit on affordable housing development in rural Appalachia. An online panel discussion is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. U.S. Central time Sept. 7. The ministry also plans to hold an in-person summit from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at 480 Old Highway 56, Coalmont, Tennessee.
To register
Learn about Mountain T.O.P.


RECENT HEADLINES

United Methodists begin Idalia recovery


Water project improves lives in the Philippines


EVENTS

Wednesday, Sept. 6-Tuesday, Sept. 12

Online course: Congregational Leadership — Church Administration

Thursday, Sept. 7
United Women in Faith: Faith Talks on Prayer


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